Our Staff & Board
Administrative Staff
Joleen Thornsberry
Operations Manager product@cnha.org
Denise Humphreys
Administrative Assistant denise@cnha.org
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees at Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) plays a pivotal role in guiding our mission to support the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Through their dedication and expertise, our trustees help us enhance educational, interpretive, and scientific programs on the Colorado Plateau. If you are passionate about our mission and would like to join our board, please email Sam at samw@cnha.org.
Cathy Bonde, Chair
Cathy holds degrees in business management and public relations, with a background in human resources, office management, accounting, and financial oversight. She is currently working in business management and has been actively involved with several local non-profit boards, including the Housing Authority of Southeast Utah and Moab Arts and Recreation.
Zach Bynum, Vice-Chair
Zach has a background in business management and administration, accounting, financial oversight, marketing, community relations, and human resources. He is currently employed as a general manager for both a hotel and a restaurant in Moab. Zach has also served on the Moab Area Travel Council board.
Claudia Page, Treasurer
Claudia has a strong background in accounting and administration. Born and raised in Moab, she has ties to the National Park Service and the Moab Information Center. Claudia was the bookkeeper for several businesses for over 20 years and retired after serving 27 years as the Clerk of Court for the 7th District State of Utah Juvenile and District Courts.
Steve Ross
Steve has a background in administration, budget management, and law enforcement. He has worked for the city of Moab as a member of both the fire department and the ambulance crew. Steve began his law enforcement career as a police officer and eventually retired as Chief of Police. He is also an avid photographer.
Shelley Smith
Shelley has a background in Bureau of Land Management management and archaeology. She worked for BLM in various locations and capacities for 34 years before retiring. Her academic training and BLM work focused on archaeology for 13 years.
John Weisheit
John has a background in science and the administration of various non-profits, with a focus on river management. He is the lead administrator and fundraiser for Living Rivers, which promotes sustainability in the Colorado River Basin, and Canyonlands Watershed Council, which focuses on sustainability in the watersheds of the La Sal Mountains.
Renee Troutt
Renee has a background in business and insurance. She has been a local independent insurance agent for over 20 years, specializing in personal property, health, and employee benefits. Renee served on the CNHA board for six years, from 2014 to 2020, and recently returned as a board member. She brings local knowledge and extensive experience with CNHA.
Gerrish Willis
Gerrish has a background in U.S. Forest Service administration and management, retiring after 34 years of service. In the latter part of his career, he served as a supervisory biological scientist. He holds a degree in zoology and pursued graduate studies in watershed management.
Sharon Brussells
Sharon has had a distinguished career in National Park Service Interpretation and Visitor Services for 17 years, Bureau of Land Management Recreation Permits and Planning for six years, and as a non-profit manager with CNHA for eight years in Moab. She is well-versed in programming, planning, budgeting, project management, and public interface, with a strong commitment to public lands.